2.2.0.25truefalse0612 - Disclosure - Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details)truefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$4true0axp_DerivativesAndHedgingActivitiesTextualsAbstractaxpfalsenadurationDerivatives and Hedging Activities.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDerivatives and Hedging Activities.falsefalse5false0us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1800000018falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3300000033falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value as of the balance sheet date of the assets less the liabilities of a derivative or group of derivatives.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse6false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Cash flow hedges [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Assets_Member_Cash_Flow_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCash flow hedges [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Cash flow hedges [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Assets_Member_Cash_Flow_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCash flow hedges [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse7true0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse8false0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative asset (or nonderivative instrument) that is designated and qualifies as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse11false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Assets_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Assets_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse12true0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse13false0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse977000000977falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse765000000765falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative asset (or nonderivative instrument) that is designated and qualifies as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse14false0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse112000000112falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6800000068falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative asset that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse15false0us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse10890000001089[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse833000000833[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of derivative asset, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
truefalse18false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Fair Value Hedging [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Assets_Member_Fair_Value_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFair Value Hedging [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Fair Value Hedging [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Assets_Member_Fair_Value_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFair Value Hedging [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse19true0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse20false0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse909000000909falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse632000000632falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative asset (or nonderivative instrument) that is designated and qualifies as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse23false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Net investment hedges [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Assets_Member_Net_Investment_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNet investment hedges [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Net investment hedges [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Assets_Member_Net_Investment_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNet investment hedges [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse24true0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse25false0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6600000066falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse132000000132falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative asset (or nonderivative instrument) that is designated and qualifies as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse28false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Interest rate contracts [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Interest_Rate_Contract_Member_Other_Assets_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInterest rate contracts [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_InterestRateContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Interest rate contracts [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Interest_Rate_Contract_Member_Other_Assets_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInterest rate contracts [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_InterestRateContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse29true0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse30false0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1100000011falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative asset that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse33false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse13falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Foreign_Exchange_Contract_Member_Other_Assets_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign exchange contracts [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$14falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Foreign_Exchange_Contract_Member_Other_Assets_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign exchange contracts [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse34true0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse35false0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse109000000109[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5700000057[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative asset that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse38false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse15falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Equity-linked contract [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Equity_Contract_Member_Other_Assets_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEquity-linked contract [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquityContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$16falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Assets [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Equity-linked contract [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Equity_Contract_Member_Other_Assets_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Assets [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherAssetsMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEquity-linked contract [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquityContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse39true0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse40false0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative asset that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse43false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse17falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Cash flow hedges [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Liabilities_Member_Cash_Flow_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCash flow hedges [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$18falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Cash flow hedges [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Liabilities_Member_Cash_Flow_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCash flow hedges [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse45true0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse46false0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1300000013falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4400000044falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative liability (or nonderivative instrument) that is designated and qualifies as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse48false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse19falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Liabilities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$20falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Liabilities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse50true0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse51false0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse323000000323falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse180000000180falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative liability (or nonderivative instrument) that is designated and qualifies as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse52false0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse9600000096falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse103000000103falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative liability that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse53false0us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse419000000419[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse283000000283[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of derivative liability, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
truefalse55false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse21falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Fair Value Hedging [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Liabilities_Member_Fair_Value_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFair Value Hedging [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$22falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Fair Value Hedging [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Liabilities_Member_Fair_Value_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFair Value Hedging [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse57true0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse58false0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse3800000038falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative liability (or nonderivative instrument) that is designated and qualifies as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse60false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse23falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Net investment hedges [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Liabilities_Member_Net_Investment_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNet investment hedges [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$24falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis} : Net investment hedges [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Liabilities_Member_Net_Investment_Hedging_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNet investment hedges [Member]us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMemberus-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse62true0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse63false0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse272000000272falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse130000000130falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative liability (or nonderivative instrument) that is designated and qualifies as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse65false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse25falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Interest rate contracts [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Liabilities_Member_Interest_Rate_Contract_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInterest rate contracts [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_InterestRateContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$26falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Interest rate contracts [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Liabilities_Member_Interest_Rate_Contract_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInterest rate contracts [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_InterestRateContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse67true0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse68false0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative liability that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse70false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse27falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Foreign_Exchange_Contract_Member_Other_Liabilities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign exchange contracts [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$28falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Foreign_Exchange_Contract_Member_Other_Liabilities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign exchange contracts [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse72true0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse73false0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse9100000091[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse9500000095[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative liability that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse75false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/derivativesandhedgingactivitiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse29falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Equity-linked contract [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Liabilities_Member_Equity_Contract_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEquity-linked contract [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquityContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$30falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis} : Other Liabilities [Member]
{us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis} : Equity-linked contract [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Other_Liabilities_Member_Equity_Contract_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Liabilities [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEquity-linked contract [Member]us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquityContractMemberus-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse77true0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse78false0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse20000002[3]falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30000003[3]falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFair value of a derivative liability that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 205G
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44C
-Subparagraph a
-Clause 1
falsefalse1GAAP permits the netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists between the Company and its derivative counterparty. As of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, $18 million and $33 million, respectively, of derivative assets and liabilities have been offset and presented net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 2Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements.3Represents an equity-linked derivative embedded in one of the Company's investment securities. 248Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue